Shahzaib has never felt this mad before. Not even his parents' fights made him this furious. It just said how mad he was right now.

He was seething in rage as he approached Ifrah, who was standing beside his sister, laughing carelessly as if she didn't just falsely accuse someone of being a gold digger. If she were a guy, it would have been a completely different scenario right now. He wouldn't hesitate in breaking some noses or bones. But unfortunately, she was a woman. His morals taught him better than to raise his hands on a woman.

But his heart still ached at the image of Wafa's teary eyes. She looked so broken and pained and he felt responsible for her state. She was not the one who cried easily, which simply meant Ifrah's words has impacted her very deeply. Which made him madder.

"Bhai. What happened?" Anushey questioned him as she noticed him first. He ignored her while glaring at Ifrah, whose face paled at his presence. She was subtly moving behind, trying to escape from his wrath, but he was quick enough to get hold of her.

"Uh-huh," He scowled at his cousin whilst blocking her way, Ifrah smiled nervously, maintaining a fake calm. He could never dislike someone as much as he disliked this person.

"Stay away from my wife," Shahzaib muttered coldly yet sternly. Her facade of calm was replaced with a frown, "I won't be responsible for what will happen otherwise. Just stay away from her." He added threateningly.

"I didn't even see her stupid face till now. Where is she by the way?" Ifrah lied blatantly making him clench his fist. He was so mad he could break something in frustration.

"Stop it. Stop right now. It won't be good, Ifrah. I swear you'll regret it." Shahzaib snapped, gaining a little attention from the guests. He did not give a damn about anyone. 

Anushey was clueless about what was going on, "can I know what the heck is happening here?"

"I don't know what's wrong with your brother. That witch has done something to him," Ifrah muttered annoyedly.

"Stay out of it, Anushey." Shahzaib snapped at his sister, "you can answer your father why he is suddenly removed as the shareholder from the Hussain firms." A sinister smile appeared on his face as he noticed the change in Ifrah's demeanour. She looked scared. Good! He thought.

"You can't do that, Shahzaib. He's almost bankrupt. The shares from Hussain firms are the only source of income for him," Ifrah blurted, fear evident in her voice. Shahzaib couldn't care less. He wanted to give her a taste of what it feels like to not have the money that she is so proud of having.

"And I should care, why?" He asked nonchalantly while taking his phone out and dialled his assistant manager, "Aarif Siddiqui should no longer be a shareholder of our firm. Do the needful paperwork and get back to me as soon as possible,"

"How dare you?" Ifrah was furious.

"Yes. How dare I." Shahzaib smiled.

"Bhai. What is going on?" Anushey was frowning in confusion.

"I'm warning both of you. Just stay out of Wafa's way. Stop messing with her all the time." Shahzaib snapped at his sister, remembering how she always has something insulting to say to Wafa and then glared at Ifrah, who did not look a tad bit guilty of her actions.

"The consequences will be bad. This is just an example," He warned them coldly before walking away from there.

There's going to be so much family gossip. He was sure of that. But Shahzaib didn't care about anything anymore. 

"That was awesome," a cheerful voice interrupted him on his way, he glanced at that person, who was beaming at him in happiness.

"Seriously. You should have seen Ifrah's face. I didn't expect this from you." Zunera laughed while he remained stoic, "where's Wafa? Is she okay now?" Shahzaib questioned her in slight worry. He had to reluctantly leave her with her friends at some point after their hug. She came for their sake after all.

But gosh! That hug.

He never knew something as simple as a hug would mean so much to him. But it did. The hug was precious. Their first hug and he felt overwhelmed knowing Wafa was searching for comfort in him through that hug. It just made him feel special for some weird reason. No one comes to him in their distress.

Shahzaib hasn't let anyone into his life like that. But Wafa has always been different for him.

He was beyond mad when she revealed what his cousin said to her.

"Wafa is with Humera. She's fine. She won't talk with any of us though." Zunera sighed as they walked towards the bride's room. The venue was packed with so many guests just for the engagement. But being the Chief minister's son meant all your functions will be filled with so many known and unknown people. Shahzaib was already sick of seeing so many people. He was yet to meet his cousin and congratulate him.

The whole thing with Wafa has kept him occupied.

"But wait, I'm very happy you care about her so much," Zunera stopped near the door. People were passing by them and he had to smile at a few of them before he glanced at Wafa's friend again.

Shahzaib didn't know what to say to her. He wasn't a people person except with whom he is comfortable, who are very few.

"Do you know something, we were so worried about Wafa getting attached to you. It didn't make sense," He raised his brows at her vague words.

"She doesn't let anyone into her life easily and with the way you both were getting close, we didn't know if we should be happy or sad. Because Humera and I are aware of the temporary thing."

Shahzaib shifted uncomfortably as Zunera passed him a disappointed stare. Of course, Wafa would tell her friends about his stupid temporary deal and they had all right to be worried.

But hearing about his deal made him completely still. He hasn't thought about that for days. He didn't realise what Wafa and he had was just temporary. He almost forgot this had to end one day too.

Why did that make him unhappy? It was his idea, to begin with.

"Wafa hates shopping with a passion. But for your sake, she spent all her spare time in the last three weeks shopping for nothing and everything. Just for your sake." Zunera smiled softly, repeating her words.

"Do you know how special you should be for her to do these things?"

Shahzaib was stunned. He had no idea that Wafa disliked shopping. But he could have never guessed with the way she willingly volunteered to help him with everything. The new home, even though he designed it, everything else was set up by Wafa, from the doormat to the lightbulbs. She put her heart and soul into it.

This just made him feel special, no one has done anything like that for him, the new home felt even more precious now that he realised its worth. His throat felt dry, feeling overwhelmed.

"So yes, we were worried about Wafa. But seeing the way you cared for her right now gave me hope that it isn't just her who is getting attached." Zunera smiled at him gleefully.

"Please don't break her heart." Her words left him numb with agitation.

"I'll call her. Don't worry." She walked into the room, while he stood out, feeling restless.

Why did the thought of breaking Wafa's heart make him berserk and tense? He knew her heart will break when this all ends.

It was his idea. He wanted to break things soon. He hated marriage. He couldn't see himself being married.

Then why in the world was it making him feel all hopeless and sad?

"Shahzaib," He was snapped out of his worries when he heard that familiar voice, but it sounded low. Worry bubbled inside him as he turned to face her.

"Zuni said that you called," Wafa mumbled whilst closing the door behind her. They were on the beautifully decorated veranda. The fairy light's decoration shone right on her white dress, making her look even more exquisite. 

He was lost for a second.

"Yes. I wanted to introduce my cousin to you." Shahzaib replied gruffly, angry at so many things.

"But are you okay?" His face softened a little as he questioned her, he searched her face for any discomfort, and she simply nodded her head, "I'll be fine. I want to meet the Rayyan Khan, who is insanely handsome." Wafa chuckled but his insides twisted angrily as he heard her address some other man as handsome, albeit his cousin, who he loved dearly.

He was being irrational. He couldn't help that feeling.

"Humera's words. Not mine. I'm just curious to see him in person," She clarified quickly, but it didn't change how he felt though. He couldn't understand why was he so mad.

What was wrong with him? Shahzaib wondered annoyedly.

"Come on, let's go and see that insanely handsome cousin of mine." He couldn't help that comment. He was bitter alright.

Wafa's cheeks flushed as they walked side by side.

"I didn't know that your uncle was our state's chief minister."

"Now you do."

"So you're all pretty well off," Wafa commented, he noticed how her tone went stiff suddenly.

"It does make me look like a gold digger,"

He intertwined their fingers, making her pause abruptly. Her hands were so soft. He could hold on forever.

"I'm already furious, Wafa. Stop talking rubbish." Shahzaib snapped, angry at her for giving Ifrah's words so much importance.

"But everyone thinks like that," Wafa replied through gritted teeth. She was equally mad. Guess, today is not a good day.

"To hell with everyone," He almost yelled but stopped realising they were in a public place. She flinched but did not let go of his hands, "to hell with everyone." He repeated a little calmly this time as they walked.

"Don't give too much importance to the people who know nothing about us. They just love to talk. You should know better than that, Wafa."

"But it bothers me, Shahzaib. Their words get into my head. I can't help it." She sighed as they reached the groom's room. He could see familiar faces, who nodded at him. Few were beaming and few remained unbothered.

"Let's talk later," he whispered while nodding at the guard as he opened the door for him.

Wafa gripped his fingers tightly in nervousness as they walked in. He gave her an assuring look, "I'm here." He whispered only for her to hear. She smiled softly in response.

His breath hitched at that smile.

She has the prettiest smile.

"Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," the familiar voice of his cousin snapped them both out of the dazed feeling.

"Assalamualaikum bhabhi," Rayyan greeted Wafa with his warm smile. His cousin was dressed in a designer black three-piece suit. There was no one else in the room.

Shahzaib's heart rate spiked frantically as he heard how Wafa was addressed by his cousin. It was weirdly good.

"Walaikum Assalam," Wafa replied with a flustered look. It affected her just as equally, he concluded.

"You don't even call me anymore, Zaib." Rayyan went for a brotherly hug, startling Shahzaib. He wasn't much of a hugger. But with Wafa, he is always willing to bend his rules.

"Still can't hug properly," Rayyan chuckled whilst breaking the awkward hug.

Wafa raised her brows at him, clearly surprised. She knows how well he can hug. How is he going to explain it to her now?

"Congratulations, Ray. You know how busy I'm these days right." Shahzaib missed having their boys' time as well. It's been a while since they had some fun, with just the two of them.

"Yeah. Thanks," Rayyan replied uninterestedly. It looked like he was not as enthusiastic about his marriage.

Wafa's face turned into a little frown instantly, she was crazily overprotective of her friends. It was something Shahzaib has always admired about her. He yearned for someone like that in his childhood, someone who'd worry about him, someone who'd care for him. But he was never that lucky.

It almost made him envious of her friends. Why can't he be that lucky? He wondered sadly.

"So glad you both are here though," Rayyan changed the subject quickly as he smiled at Wafa, but she was hesitant now.

She looked like she wanted to say something but decided against it.

There was a knock at their door, which thankfully broke the awkwardness in the room. The three of them turned at the same time and Shahzaib went ahead to open it. 

"It's time to exchange rings. Everyone is waiting for you," A cheerful and vibrant voice entered the room as soon as he opened the door.

"Alyna!"

"Shahzaib," The girl exclaimed in surprise, her smile widened as she noticed him, "it's been so long." She muttered with a dazzled look.

"Yeah. Two months,"

"And you have your little wife with you as well," Alyna smiled at Wafa but it looked forced. Wafa kept a neutral face for which he was thankful. He narrowed his eyes at his cousin while holding Wafa's hands. She looked surprised by his gesture, clearly taken aback.

"Guys, let's go. Baba won't be happy if we're late." Rayyan interrupted them.

"Um, hi. Excuse me." Another soft yet confident voice knocked at the door.

"Miss Shah." Shahzaib heard his cousin mutter with an unknown interest. He looked at the lady in hijab and then at his cousin, whose whole attention was diverted as soon as she walked into the room.

"Mr Khan, we need to videograph your entrance to the stage, my team will instruct you. Please cooperate." She left as soon as she came and soon enough, a team of photographers were instructing Rayyan.

"Who is she?"

"His wedding planner," Alyna answered for him.

Shahzaib nodded whilst his eyes automatically moved towards Wafa, she was already gazing at him when he looked.

They had brief eye contact.

Her hazel eyes were his favourite.

"Ray, we will go and sit with the rest of the guests. Be there quickly," His cousin barely heard him, Rayyan was lost in the direction of where his wedding planner just left.

Shahzaib didn't like where this was going. He needed to talk with Rayyan personally, he thought with a frown whilst taking hold of Wafa's hands.

"Let's go," He said and she was only too eager to leave.

Their hands fit with each other just so perfectly. He liked holding her hand. He has been doing that a lot this evening and she is just letting him do it without any protest or discomfort. It made him happy unknowingly.

The corridors were empty, everyone was already seated in their respective chairs it seems. Shahzaib glanced sideways at Wafa, who was lost deep in her thoughts.

"What are you thinking?" He asked.

"About your cousin," she replied gruffly.

"Is he as insanely handsome as you thought?" Wafa gave him a puzzled look in return. Shahzaib had no idea what came over him to ask that. But he was still curious and also a little bitter.

A playful smile appeared on her face suddenly as if she recollected something, "he was handsome, yes."

Shahzaib tensed at her words.

"More than me, huh?" He couldn't stop himself from asking. Wafa's eyes lit up with mischief.

"I don't know, you're okay I guess." 

"Wafa." He narrowed his eyes at her, feeling extremely jealous. Shahzaib had a hard time admitting it to himself, but he was jealous of every other man who Wafa finds attractive. He was going crazy, seriously.

"Do you need me to say that or what? Of course, you're handsome," She rolled her eyes playfully.

"I know," he replied whilst tightening his hold on her hands. She laughed at him, he felt himself getting lost in her soft yet contagious laugh.

"Still the same old arrogant man," Wafa poked his arms.

"Always," he grinned cheekily while she shook her head at him.

"Why is Ifrah sending me deadly glares?" Wafa questioned him stiffly as they took their seats in the front row. Their names were already mentioned on the chairs, saving them from the trouble of wasting time. But unfortunately, they were given seats right beside his family.

"Ignore her," Shahzaib whispered in reply as Wafa scowled back at Ifrah. She grumbled something under her breath but obliged silently.

"I just hope Rayyan doesn't break her heart at the end," Wafa added wishfully once the rings were exchanged. Everyone was clapping excitedly but she was looking tense, clearly worried about her friend.

"I'll talk with Ray. Don't think too much," Shahzaib squeezed her hands.

She nodded at him gratefully, "Humera is such a kind soul. I feel overprotective of her, I can't help it, Shahzaib."

"I can understand. Don't worry about it, I'll talk with Rayyan personally." She seemed to relax by those words while Sahzaib couldn't help but ponder more on the heartbreak comment.

"Please don't break her heart." His mind recalled Zunera's request making him feel numb.

Why does it have to be so damn difficult? He never thought he'd be getting this attached to Wafa. She was such an amazing human, a great friend and a wonderful companion.

He was throwing it all away just because of his stupid insecurities. His eyes subconsciously moved to his parents who were seated in the same row. They were muttering something to each other, fighting even here. He tensed at that sight.

He didn't want to end up like them. He shuddered at that thought. But for how long is he going to let his fear overpower his happiness? A little voice inside his heart questioned him.

"Are you alright?" Wafa's question took him off guard. How did she know he wasn't feeling good? He wondered dazedly. She was the only one who notices everything about him, for her he might as well be an open book. It made him vulnerable. And he was never vulnerable, not with anyone else at least.

"I don't want to break your heart, Wafa," Shahzaib muttered to himself, feeling all sorts of confusing emotions.

But actually, he can't imagine breaking her heart. Not even subconsciously.